As big a year it was for Tame Impala, their "side project" POND (which also features members of other noted Australian bands) was right there with them. POND's album "“ Beards, Wives, Denim "“ placed #7 on NME's top albums of the year (as well as gaining a spot in our top Australian tracks of the year), and the band played a number of huge festivals locally and abroad. This was the band's fourth album but they've already released details of their next "“ Hobo Rocket is scheduled for release later this year via Modular Recordings.

Luckily for us, we don't need to wait till then for a POND fix. The album's first single, "Giant Tortoise," was unleashed late last week, and it's already been burnt a giant hole in my ear drum. One of their most epic tracks to date, I love their ability to draw the listener in with dreamy, psychedelic sections before blowing up with a huge guitar riff or bass drop. Hobo Rocket has quickly jumped to the top of my most anticipated albums of the year ahead.

Currently on the road as part of the annual Laneway Festival tour, the band has also released news that each member will be releasing a solo record this year. How they find the time to be this awesome is beyond me.

"Giant Tortoise" can be downloaded for free on the band's website here.